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Annual PlanetSteelers Board Mock Draft (official selection thread)

Please only post picks here (I'll also announce trades here if any come across my PM desk). Any trash talk or other commentary should be confined to the sister thread (also stickied for your convenience for the next week-and-a-half until the actual draft takes place).

Here is the schedule. Try to follow it as closely as possible. You may make your picks early if everyone ahead of you has already picked, but please try not to pick late (because you can be leapfrogged twice Vikings-style before I ultimately must make the pick for you so that we can move forward. Thanks). Feel free to e-mail me your wishlists in advance if you will not be at your computer during your scheduled slot.

ROUND THREE (actually round 3 started 2 picks ago, since Cleveland used their 2nd round pick in last year's supplemental draft and New Orleans lost their 2nd round pick in the BountyGate scandal, but who's counting?):

The consensus is that the Chiefs will draft an offensive tackle with the first overall pick. I'll agree with the consensus in that regard. The consensus also has Luke Joeckel being the most likely pick. I'll have to respectfully disagree with the consensus here, and pick the OT prospect with the greater upside in my mind.

The Kansas City Chiefs are proud to select:

Central Michigan OT Eric Fisher

Height 6'7", Weight 306 LBS, Arm Length 34 1/2", Hands 10 1/2"

Overview: Any offensive tackle coming out of Central Michigan will naturally be compared to 2007 first-round pick Joe Staley, who has now become one of the top linemen in the NFL. But if there's one player with the potential to meet those high expectations, it’s the tall, athletic, and rapidly growing Fisher. He was only a third-team All-MAC pick in 2011 as the full-time starter on the blind side, partially because he missed the final two games of the year with a knee injury. But in 2012 Fisher received first-team All-MAC honors after starting all 12 games at left tackle. NFL scouts will have no choice but to give him grades similar to those they gave Staley when he came out of Mount Pleasant.

He fell through the recruiting cracks a bit as a 250-pound tackle coming out of Stoney Creek High School in Michigan, where he only played on the offensive line there in this senior season (he captained both the football and basketball teams that year). But he still proved himself strong enough as a true freshman to play in eight games, with two starts at left tackle. In 2010, he didn't start the first three games but proved an invaluable member of the line in the last nine, starting four games at right tackle, moving over to right guard for two weeks, and then lining up at left tackle for the final three contests. During his senior year, Fisher anchored an offensive line that averaged 6.2 yards-per-play, second best in the MAC and the same unit only allowed 14 sacks, which was good for fourth best in the MAC.

Strengths: Tall, long left tackle frame with good thickness but still room to add weight throughout. Natural athlete with bend and foot quickness off the snap, can mirror quick ends around the pocket, staying engaged even with tilted shoulders and often finishing the block with a shove. Strong anchor in pass protection, widens his stance, extends his arms, and keeps his balance even if his opponent gets a good punch on his chest. Agile enough to ride end inside and then pick up outside twist. Shows off impressive straight-line speed and the agility to adjust to moving targets when leading off-tackle runs to the second or third level. Has no issues getting out of a three-point stance in pass protection or the run game despite his height. Flashes nastiness as a drive blocker, latching on and churning his legs to push his man back a few yards. Possesses foot quickness and effective hands to move from one target to the other in combo blocks.

Weaknesses: Should continue to add strength in his upper and lower body to handle pro defenders. Hands can be slow to get up off the snap, explosive ends get theirs on his numbers. Also needs to consistently latch onto smaller targets in space, can bounce off them instead of dominating like he does when using his hands. Will lunge in the run game, getting off-balance against quicker opponents. Turns his shoulders square to the line in his slide on occasion, allowing ends to get to the quarterback if he steps up in the pocket.

NFL Comparison: Joe Staley

Bottom Line: The top left tackle prospect of the senior class, Fisher opened scouts' eyes with his pro-caliber frame and eye-popping agility in the open field, which he should be able to maintain while working in an NFL strength program. Among all other players, Fisher benefited the most when two top junior tackle prospects decided to return for their senior season. With a solid performance during the Senior Bowl, Fisher could solidify his evaluation as a top-15 pick.

The Jaguars' biggest need is at quarterback, but this is a bad year to need a QB, since there are no truly elite talents available at the top of round 1 like there were last year. They cannot afford to overdraft a QB like they did with Gabbert. Their next biggest need is on the D-line. They were dead last in the NFL with 20 sacks last season. They brought in Roy Miller and Sen'Derrick Marks in free agency, but both of those guys are better against the run (the Jaguars also had the 30th ranked rush defense), as opposed to interior pass rushers. They cannot afford to overdraft a DL prospect based on upside like they did with Tyson Alualu. They could use a "sure-thing" type here, and I think that Sharrif Floyd is more a sure thing prospect at DT than athletic marvels like Dion Jordan or Ziggy Ansah are at DE. Plus, the fact that he is a local kid with a great story doesn't hurt for a team that struggles to sell tickets consistently.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are proud to select:

Florida DT Sharrif Floyd

Height 6'3", Weight 297 LBS, Arm Length 31 3/4", Hands 10 1/8"

Overview: Floyd was a big-time high school recruit from Philadelphia, winning the 2009 Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year and excelling in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl (two sacks). Like many other young players, Floyd struggled with a rough childhood (bouncing between multiple homes), before settling in Gainesville. In fact, Floyd’s school held a bake sale to help him pay for the trip to the All-American Bowl, and he also received additional funds from a third party to visit campuses during the recruiting process.

The NCAA investigated those impermissible benefits and docked Floyd the first two games of the his sophomore season (reducing the suspension from four games due to personal hardship). He started the next 11 games at defensive end in head coach Will Muschamp’s 3-4 defense(46 totals tackles, 6.5 for loss), culminating with a 1.5-sack performance in the team’s 24-17 victory over Ohio State in the Gator Bowl. Floyd had already showed promise as a member of the coaches' Freshman All-SEC squad in 2010, playing in all 13 games with one of his two starts coming against Penn State in the Gators' Outback Bowl win (he had two tackles, a tackle for loss).

Floyd's statistics are by no means elite (26 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks in two years), but his ability to be a factor playing every position along the defensive line is a testament to his hustle and athleticism for his size. His final season saw him earn third-team All-America honors as he helped anchor a Gator defense that was amongst the best in the entire nation.

Strengths: Athletic three/five-technique prospect with solid overall strength. Possesses a quick and long first step when in pass rush mode, can swim over his opponent or get his hands up into his man’s jersey to push him into the backfield. Often lined up outside the tackle (even standing up) despite his size, showed quickness to rush the passer and quick feet to contain on the edge. Combines good effort and short-area agility for his size to chase plays across the field and get his long arms around ball carriers when closing in. Experience as a two-gapper, keeps his eyes in the backfield and sheds to either direction to grab running backs coming his direction. Flashes violent hands to swipe away blockers on his way to the ball carrier. Great balance and flexibility, and shows good change of direction ability and showing some ability to bend on the edge. Excellent at shooting gaps and reducing his surface area while working through trash inside. Splits double-teams in pass protection well with quickness.

Weaknesses: Has long legs and plays with high pad level, at times causing him problems when trying to anchor. Lacks the elite closing speed to make a lot of plays outside the box. Will stop after initial contact, must prove he has the stamina to make an impact in significant minutes against NFL competition. Tendency to stop his feet on contact. While he has experience two-gapping, he still needs a lot of technique work in that area; he has a tendency to turn his body, especially against double teams, causing him to get washed out or moved upfield. Suffered a torn ACL in high school. Changing positions may have stunted his growth in college, as he has never been allowed to focus on one particular skill set.

NFL Comparison: Muhammad Wilkerson

Bottom Line: A rough childhood did not prevent Floyd from earning national accolades for his play in high school, as he won the 2009 Maxwell Football Club's National Player of the Year award. And by the end of his sophomore year at Florida (he racked up 1.5 sacks against Ohio State in the team's Gator Bowl win), Floyd began showing scouts the athleticism, strength, and motor they require in a top tackle prospect. He has been an incredibly important and versatile defender up front for Florida, playing both one and two-gap techniques at defensive end, one and three-technique, and as a true zero-technique nose tackle. While Floyd is rough around the edges and will take time to develop as a two-gapper, the Gator's quickness, athleticism, and scheme versatility will make him coveted by 4-3 and 3-4 teams alike in the first round.

The Eagles could go in a lot of different directions with Chip Kelly's first draft pick. They could draft a QB since Vick's days are limited and Foles does not appear to be a match for this new offense (while Geno Smith just might be the prototype QB that Kelly is looking for). They could add to a pathetic o-line by taking a near-sure-thing in Luke Joeckel, but they could be counting on Jason Peters to return to his potentially dominant self (when healthy). They could take a corner like Dee Milliner since they jettisoned Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie this offseason (after letting Asante Samuel walk a few seasons ago). Or they could use a pass rusher as they make the transition to a 3-4 defense (do Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, and Vinny Curry fit their new defense?). I'll make the chalk pick and have Kelly take what he knows. Dion Jordan has been identified as a top-5 type of prospect, he fills a need for the Eagles, and Kelly reportedly loved the kid when they were together in Eugene.

The Philadelphia Eagles are proud to select:

Oregon DE/OLB Dion Jordan

Height 6'6", Weight 248 LBS, Arm Length 33 7/8", Hands 10"

Overview: Jordan arrived in Eugene as a top-10 nationally rated tight end prospect from the southern suburbs of Phoenix -- despite missing the end of his senior season after an accidental home fire left him with second or third-degree burns over almost half of his body. Oregon coaches actually wanted him to play receiver initially, but his continued growth through his first two seasons in Eugene pushed him first to tight end and then to the defensive side of the ball.

He showed promise after moving across the line during spring 2010 practices, playing in 13 games and starting one at defensive end (5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks) as a redshirt sophomore. But the move really bore fruit when he earned first-team All-PAC 12 honors in 2011 as a 12-game starter at his hybrid defensive end/linebacker position (42 tackles, 13 for loss, team-high 7.5 sacks). Jordan continued working at his drop end, outside linebacker spot in 2012, recording 44 total tackles, 10.5 going for a loss, including five sacks. The Duck forced three fumbles and intercepted one pass. He only played in 11 full games after missing parts or the entirety of three others with a shoulder injury. It has been reported Jordan will miss the Senior Bowl to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Strengths: Tall end/linebacker hybrid with excellent length. Definitely not contact-shy, extends his long arms to land a strong punch on blockers, can disengage to chase plays from behind or grab ballcarriers coming into his area. Also willing to mix it up when challenged. Long strides allow him to cover ground quickly when closing or after his strong get-off with his hand down, but also shows enough bend and short-area quickness to avoid linemen. Lines up against slot receivers and tight ends, managing to stay with them in the open field in spite of his size. Flashes quickness and bend to beat tackles around the corner, can counter with an inside rush or spin move. Also quick enough to flatten down the line to make plays on inside runs. Willing to stick his shoulder into a lead blocker to free up other defenders.

Weaknesses: Might be an end/linebacker tweener for some teams due to his tall, lean frame. Must improve upper-body strength to get off blocks and gain leverage against NFL-caliber linemen. His height will make it more difficult for him to get low to stop ballcarriers' momentum or corral them in the open field. Inconsistent working through initial contact to chase plays and finding the ball in the backfield. Susceptible to cut blocks in space, must learn to see and beat them with his hands. Can get knocked off his pass rush route by a strong punch.

NFL Comparison: Julian Peterson

Bottom Line: Jordan's 2012 season ended on a down note, aggravating a shoulder injury during the team's bowl game. He will miss the Senior Bowl and part of the draft process because of it, but Jordan offers a unique blend of comfort in space, length, and pass rush ability. His box scores may not appeal to everyone, but Jordan was frequently asked to cover receivers or tight ends after lining up in the slot opposite them. His future appears to be at strongside linebacker in a four man front, with the ability to rush the passer, or as an outside linebacker in a three-man front.

The Lions would be happy with the best available tackle (after Jeff Backus retired and Gosder Cherilus left in free agency), the best available pass rusher (after Cliff Avril left in free agency), or the best available corner (since they really haven't had any decent ones since Dick LeBeau...okay, maybe since Dre Bly). Of those options, the guy most had going first overall is still on the board. Besides, the Lions pass more than anybody, and their QB had a reputation for being somewhat brittle early in his career, so they'll need someone to give Stafford enough time to throw all those bombs to Megatron.

The Detroit Lions are proud to select:

Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel

Height 6'6", Weight 306 LBS, Arm Length 34 1/4", Hands 10 1/8"

Overview: Early in their careers, A&M right tackle Jake Matthews got more publicity as the son of NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews (and would have been highly valued by NFL scouts had he decided to leave school early). However, Joeckel is the one who received second-team All-Big 12 honors from league coaches after a strong 2011 season.

He was a consensus high school All-American who sifted through many scholarship offers before deciding attend A&M with Matthews to play for then-head coach Mike Sherman. He started every game at left tackle as a true freshman (something he might not have done at one of those other schools) in 2010, garnering honorable mention All-Big 12 honors while first-round quarterback Ryan Tannehill (selected by Miami, where Sherman is now the offensive coordinator, with the eighth overall pick in 2012) led the team to a bowl appearance.

New Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin took over for former head coach Mike Sherman, and the Aggies (led by Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel) took the SEC by storm. Joeckel had a standout year, as he and Matthews anchored the best offensive line in the country. He earned 1st team All-American and All-SEC honors, and is regarded as the best offensive tackle in the class (and maybe the best prospect overall).

Strengths: Technically-sound left tackle prospect. Plays with good bend and a very wide base in pass protection in spite of his long legs. Moves feet quickly and stays in balance, rarely giving up the edge and pulling off the down block/outside blitz pick-up admirably. Good timing and strength on his punch, possesses good hand placement and will reset them to maintain distance. Recovers quickly if his misses his punch, stays on his man. Gets after his man in the run game, has foot quickness to get correct angle and keeps them moving to sustain the block. Good power step inside to choke off inside spin moves. Capable cut-blocker. Excellent athleticism and foot speed, showing the ability to mirror and stay in front of many talented pass rushers over his three years starting.

Weaknesses: Does not possess elite upper or lower-body strength; only adequate as a drive-blocker and can be pushed back by better defensive ends and shed in the run game. Foot quickness is good, but does not execute the reach block as often as you'd like. Overextends his punch on occasion, vulnerable to a rip move outside or spin inside. Played exclusively in a two-point stance and can get caught playing upright. Due to Manziel's ability to break the pocket and scramble, did not frequently face pass rushers that challenged him hard upfield.

NFL Comparison: Ryan Clady

Bottom Line: A technician with an athletic build, Joeckel excels as a pass protector for the Aggies and displays enough of a temper in the run game to be one of the top picks in this draft class, and a long-time NFL starter at left tackle, especially as he continues to add bulk in an NFL strength and conditioning program.

Now that Bruce Arians knows this is just a mock, he's decided to stay on the course and let the Dean of Greendale make his pick. Actually the Dean and Bruce aren't twins. They were a weight watchers before and after pick back in their college days.

One things for sure, AZ can play D and needs all the help they can get on Offense. Eventually we're gonna need to draft some linemen in the later rounds, but for now, we need to load up on some weapons. Gotta say, we were thinking Ertz was the way to go here. But since he's gone, let's still get what QBs love, big, fast, shiny new toys.

There's a lot of dynamic WR duos in the league, but none now more scary than the new pair in AZ.

The Oakland Raiders have many needs, and they certainly would have liked to trade down to recoup their lost 2nd round pick (as would the Chiefs earlier), but it takes two to tango, and not many teams are willing to pay what it costs to move up. The Lions considered moving up 2 spots because Joeckel is available and they are worried that the Iggles might take him, but they have needs for a tackle, a corner, and a pass rusher, and cannot give away premium picks with so many needs to fill. San Diego would love to jump up for Joeckel, but they simply do not have the ammunition to go from 11 to 3 in this draft, so that's out too. So the Raiders have no choice but to make this pick. With Al Davis being dead (rather than being undead for the last several years), they won't just pick the guy with the fastest 40 time here. Their most obvious may be at DT where they just let Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly go. If Sharrif Floyd were available, they may have gone that route. There is still another premium DT prospect available, now that the Combine cardiac scare has turned out to be much ado about nothing. When people draw comparisons to Haloti Ngata, that's never a bad thing.

The Oakland Raiders are proud to select:

Utah DT Star Lotulelei

Height 6'2", Weight 311 LBS, Arm Length 33 5/8", Hands 9 3/4"

Overview: The shortened version of Lotulelei's (pronounced lo-too-leh-lay) first name predicts success in anything he does. Starlite certainly played up to that moniker in 2011, starting all 13 games and receiving the Pac-12's Morris Trophy as the league's top defensive lineman (44 tackles, 9.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks). He could have left the Utes for the NFL after that successful season, but decided to spend another year in Salt Lake City in order to get his degree. The dominance continued in his senior season (42 tackles, 11 for loss, 5 sacks), and he improved in many key areas - most notably disengaging with offensive linemen and locating the football.

The Utah native was an all-state pick as a high school senior and signed to play for the same BYU Cougars team he grew up following, but he failed to qualify academically. He started his collegiate career with a great freshman year at Snow Junior College (52 tackles, 14 for loss, three sacks), but played at more than 350 pounds and quit football after the season because he questioned his passion for the sport. Sitting out made him miss the game, however, and Utah took a chance on his talent. A focused and slimmed-down Lotulelei played in 13 games in 2010, starting three and making 21 tackles, 2.5 for loss.

Lotulelei is already married with two young daughters, even though he'll be just 23 years old on draft weekend. If he can show scouts that he has matured through his raising a family, and he is fully committed to football as a profession, it will be impossible to ignore his potential. Utah plays him at both nose tackle and defensive end, asking him to two-gap often. He will be coveted in both of those roles by NFL teams who run 3-4 defenses, although his combination of size, strength, and quickness make him a fit in almost any type of defensive system.

Strengths: Powerful and agile starting nose tackle prospect. Versatile enough to play almost all interior defensive line positions across many types of fronts. Often the first player off the snap, will challenge the hand and foot quickness of guards inside. When choosing to bull rush, gets under his man's pads and churns his legs to push him backwards. Thick arms eat up ball carriers coming into his path. Quick feet and a bit of short-area speed to spin off blocks inside and follow plays across the field. Flashes arm-over move to penetrate. Recognize screens and track them down, also willing to move down the line while engaged. Greatly improved on reading blocking schemes, locating the football, and disengaging over his last two seasons.

Weaknesses: Inconsistent keeping his eyes in the backfield to find the ball and being violent with his hands to shed, but has improved here and is a dominant run-stopper when he does. Will get pressure, but probably won't be a dominant sack artist at the next level due to how he'll be used. Lacks flexibility to break down on open-field tackles, ball carriers can elude him in the backfield. Does not beat cut blocks with his hands, though he does a good job recovering for his size, gets back into the play.

NFL Comparison: Haloti Ngata

Bottom Line: This active wide-body struggled with his weight and passion for the game while in Junior College, but Lotulelei (pronounced lo-too-leh-lay) has worked hard over the past couple of seasons to become the Pac-12's best defensive lineman (20.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks over the last two years) and a probable first-round selection at nose tackle.

Fisher and Bradford are at each other's throats today over this silly little mock draft. Apparently Sammy's pretty miffed he didn't get a WR and Jeff is all like, "I got you the big target in the passing game you wanted with our first pick". And Sammy's a little upset that Fisher went all D after that when clearly he's been a QB without weapons for far too long.

Fellas, let's relax a little here. And no Sammy, Amerson is not making the switch to WR just cause you say you want him to. The self proclaimed best WR in the draft is still on the board. Austin (tiny), Patterson (unknown), Allen (druggie), etc, etc. They all have issues.

Not this kid. He's got the size, the speed, the athleticism, and the production. He calls himself the best blocking WR. The hardest working WR. And yeah, just the best WR period in the whole draft.

With the 6th pick in the 2013 Draft, The Cleveland Browns are excited to announce that their pick is:

Dee Milliner CB, Alabama.

Only a Junior- Milliner's breakout season came in 2012, as he was a first-team All-American and unanimous All-SEC first-team pick after finishing the regular season tied for third nationally with 18 passes defensed. He totaled 54 tackles, four for loss and 22 pass break-ups by the time Alabama wrapped up the national title.

The Browns now have a CB tandem that could become one of the best in the NFL for years to come..